HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_02.08.2016Minutes of the Meeting of the
Library Advisory Board
City of Georgetown
February 8, 2016
The Library Advisory Board met on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Staff
Conference Room of the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Baldwin, Michael Barnes, Lois Case, Tom Milburn, Linda Nix and
Pete Rose.
STAFF PRESENT: Eric Lashley- Library Director, Suzette Davidson — Reference Librarian
Regular Session
A. Citizens wishing to address the Board. — None were present.
B. Consideration of minutes of the January 11, 2016 meeting. — Tom Milburn made the
motion to accept the minutes of the January 2016 Library Advisory Board Meeting. Pat
Baldwin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
C. Introduction of library staff member. — Eric Lashley. Lashley introduced Suzette
Davidson- Reference Librarian to the board. Suzette explained that she is
responsible for the reference collection, genealogy, databases, and proctoring
exams. She was also in charge of meeting room reservations for about 8 years. In a
previous career, Suzette was an officer in the U.S. Army. She moved to Sun City in
2000 and began taking classes at the University of Texas at Austin for her degree in
Library Science. She used the Georgetown Public Library for research in a number
of her courses until she landed a job here in 2007.
D. Consideration of the Library Director's Report. — Eric Lashley. Lashley reported that Tom
Milburn and Michael Barnes will be re -appointed to the Library Board by City Council at the
February 9, 2016 council meeting. Pete Rose will be appointed the new Chair. Lindsay
Cooper and Jonathan Sherwin will be the newly appointed board members.
Lashley reviewed statistics with the Board for January 2016 noting that while circulation was
slightly down, visits to the library were up by approximately 3,000 visitors. Patron comments
were read from the library's suggestion box.
Lashley reported that the Georgetown Reads kick-off event for Just Mercy was well
attended. The first book discussion event had over 50 participants. The sister project
Courageous Conversations had approximately 115 participants. The mini -golf event held
on January 23rd was very successful with approximately 80 attendees. Board
members Linda Nix and Pat Baldwin attended the event.
Pianist Kiyoshi Tamagawa's performance was a standing room only event on
January 17, 2016. The next concert will be held February 21, 2016 by Aidan, a
traditional Irish band.
The library participated in the annual Partners In Education Fun Day held at the San
Gabriel Community Center on January 31St
E. Report on the 81h Street parking lot. — Eric Lashley. Lashley reported that even though a few
small landscaping details remain to be completed, both halves of the new parking lot are
now open to the public.
F. Report on shade structure for the Red Poppy Plaza. —Eric Lashley. Lashley reported that the
library will eventually receive new signage on the 9th Street entrance to the library and a
shade structure for the Red Poppy Coffee Co. plaza as part of the renovations for the
Downtown West project. Lashley reported that he will work with an architect to develop
plans for the structure and will keep future boards informed of the progress.
G. Report on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at the library. — Eric Lashley.
Lashley reported that the City has begun renovations throughout the library to address ADA
concerns. Doorways, water fountains, sinks, telephones, handicapped ramps, and other
issues will need to be addressed this year. Renovations began the first week of February
with the second floor restrooms.
H. Update on the grant application to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for a
Community Resources Coordinator position. — Eric Lashley. Lashley reported that he will
speak to the City's Commission on Aging at their February 8, 2016 meeting and to the City
Council on February 9th at a workshop, regarding the Community Resources Coordinator
position. If all goes well, Lashley will place an item on the February 23,, 2016 Council
agenda to ask permission for the library's staff to apply for the grant.
Farewell comments from exiting board members. — Eric Lashley. Linda Nix told the board
she was very sorry to leave, but will continue to serve as the CTLS lay representative and
will return to board meetings from time to time to give updates. Lois Case said she couldn't
believe 4 years had flown by so fast. The board thanked them for their service. Lashley
noted that Case came on the board at a particularly contentious period dealing with a
censorship issue. Lashley thanked her for staying calm and cool during her first few
meetings.
J. Consideration of dates of future board meetings. The Board realized that there is a good
chance the new members will not be able to attend a morning meeting, Pete Rose made
the motion to move the March meeting to Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 6:00 PM. Tom
Milburn seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Chair Linda Nix adjourned the meeting at 11:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Hagen, Secretar Linda Nix, Chair